Mast cells tumors contain histamine. An anti histamine such as Benadryl can certainly SHRINK the swelling of MCT's however does not CURE them. When a MCT swells it can seem to have grown when in fact that isn't always the case, sometimes just the result of the tumor getting "angry" possibly due to manipulation and referred to as "Wheal Formation or Darier's Sign" . The Tagamet article referenced refers to treatment aid with colon cancer cells, two different "beasts" cancer-wise. I was aware of the info cited from the breeder's website you linked to and took the info to my girls oncologist a couple of years ago. Both meds are often used in conjunction with MCT treatment but only to aid with side effects of the MCT's and not as a cure. Tagamet is often interchanged with Pepcid. The info or "testimonials" included don't have anything scientific (for lack of a better term) to back it up. My girl was on Benadryl and Pepcid daily for about 4 years. She continued to develop MCT's during that time. She was less bothered by itching from the MCT's due to Benadryl and tummy issues frequently associated with MCT's were kept to a minimum due to the Pepcid.
I am on multiple Boxer sites/groups and have never seen this info cited unless it was from the breeder's site you included.
The Epuli mentioned where this treatment was also utilized by this breeder is a common occurrence in Boxers, more commonly called "gingival hyperplasia". About a third of Boxers develop this at some point in their lives and Benadryl helps with the swelling associated on the gums.
The treatment sounds good in theory however if this were something which actually destroyed mast cells it would be widely publicized with results from clinical studies.
Susi & Cami
3/25/03 - 2/17/10
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